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There is only so much information on profiling, corrections, and other areas of forensics that can be presented in a weekly editorial format. A lot of individuals want more and more information. Eventually, they will absorb most of the imformation online and will not know where to turn next. The next step is to start to pick up some of the literature on the topic. Below is number of book reviews on criminal profiling (reviews on other areas of forensic psychology will follow). The first list of books are what I call the 'Layman' titles. These texts are good introductions to the criminal profiling field for those who are very new to the literature. Following the 'Layman' titles is a list of some actual criminal and investigative profiling texts. These are the books to get if you really want to learn how to profile.
The Jigsaw Man by Paul Britton (1997) 480 Pages **TOP PICK** The only criminal profiling - true crime book that I have found that is written by an actual psychologist. This book provides a deeper look at the psychological processes underlying criminal behaviour profiling. The criminal mind and his motivations are looked at with much greater detail then any of the other novels. Interestingly Dr. Britton's profiling technique is not unlike that of the FBI's behavioural science unit. While their modern procedures came from extensive case studies and experience, Britton's venture into this domain came up with a virtually identical method based entirely on his psychological background. A fact that suggests profiling is indeed a psychological enterprise. If you are interested in learning about criminal profiling as a component of psychology this book is a better introduction for you then the Douglas & Ressler titles. I found this for sale online (but only from Amazon UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN... Mindhunter: Inside the FBI'S Elite Serial Crime Unite By John Douglas & Mark Olshaker (1997) 384 Pages The best american true-crime/biography novelization of criminal profiling I've ever read (and I've read them all). This book will give you the basics and origins of profiling techniques (the first known american case of profiling will absolutely amaze you), as well as introduce you to the key players of the FBI's Behavioural Science unit (See fellow BSU member ROBERT K. RESSLER below). This book alone is what peaked my interest and ultimately my decision to enter the realm of forensic psychology. Take a peak (Amazon USA): http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0... Journey Into Darkness: |
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